Charlie Hawes is a true Greensboro baseball fan. Despite its crumbling veneer and smelly bathrooms, Charlie loved to sit in the bleachers at War Memorial Stadium, enjoy a cold beverage, and root the Hornets/Bats on to victory. And every year Charlie would be there on opening day to start another glorious year of Greensboro baseball.
Now, with the opening of the new stadium, there are no opening day tickets available. Thousands of people, some of whom probably never saw the Hornets/Bats play, but who have the resources and want to boast, "I was there first," have snatched up all the tickets, leaving none for the truest baseball fans, like Charlie. And I'm sure he's not the only one.
Don't misunderstand; I hope the new stadium will bring new fans and do wonders for Greensboro baseball.
Ultimately, however, baseball is less about the ball yard and more about the players and fans. And when the new shine is dulled and the thrill of the new stadium has worn off, true fans like Charlie will still be there, cheering the Grasshoppers on to victory and keeping Greensboro baseball alive.
Sam Hensley
Alexandria, Va.
The writer is a native of Greensboro.
Comments (6)
Somebody should get Charlie a ticket.. this is an OUTRAGE. If the stadium isnt filled up with true fans, (only yuppie scum and their bratty kids), the whole thing will be in vain. If I had a ticket, or knew someone who did, I'd hook Charlie up, unfortunately I dont. Anybody out there got a ticket for Charlie?
Posted by Lilly | March 24, 2005 11:12 AM
That almighty dollar make people do crazy things.
Posted by F Reid | March 24, 2005 1:17 PM
Lilly,
Perhaps you'd like to volunteer to create a test or assessment mechanism that can differentiate real fans from those that you deem unworthy to attend baseball games? Certainly, someone like yourself should be judging who is worthy to attend a Grasshoppers game and who isn't.
Posted by Bob | March 24, 2005 2:48 PM
Ouch, Bob. Guess I'm not the only one in a mood today. I was thinking more along the lines of: Sorry, Charlie.
Seriously, though. Why is Sam demonizing everyone else who wanted tickets? It isn't their fault that Charlie didn't manage to get a ticket.
Also, it's a little annoying when someone who makes their residence in another town in another state still feels like it is their duty to criticize people they don't even know from Greensboro.
I'm sorry Charlie doesn't have a ticket. He sounds like a good guy. I'm a huge NC State fan. Unfortunately, I don't have the resources that SOME people have. They've SNATCHED all the tickets up! Would someone like to donate some to me?
Posted by mr t | March 24, 2005 3:41 PM
Bob, I think I made my point. Sorry if I hit a nerve. :)
Posted by Lilly | March 24, 2005 10:20 PM
I dont know if anyone will read this or not at this late date.. BUT I have access to an extra ticket!!! Please notify me so I can take Charlie!! Email is above!
Most all Greensboro women are REAL and have GOOD hearts. I am a Greensboro woman. :) I told you guys I'd take Charlie.
PS I went to the opening game, it was fun.. but there were lot of yuppies and their brats... specially the ones who sat behind me and talked the ENTIRE damn game! The weren't from 'round hurrr.. so I was not surprised at their rude, crude and socially inept behavior.
Posted by Lilly | April 21, 2005 3:18 PM